Read abraham lincoln and mexico a history of courage intrigue and unlikely friendshipsby Michael Hogan Online

2016 marked the 170th anniversary of the year the United States invaded Mexico and declared war on its neighboring Republic. This new book by a noted Ph.D. historian and professor is one of the best books available about relations between the United States and Mexico before, during, and after that war. It shines new light on reasons for the US invasion, opposition by Abrah2016 marked the 170th anniversary of the year the United States invaded Mexico and declared war on its neighboring Republic. This new book by a noted Ph.D. historian and professor is one of the best books available about relations between the United States and Mexico before, during, and after that war. It shines new light on reasons for the US invasion, opposition by Abraham Lincoln and other politicians to the unjustified and unconstitutional decision by President Polk to unilaterally initiate the war, the importance of the ensuing war against Mexico, the resulting territorial seizures by the United States, the impact both nationally and internationally to both countries, the troubling legacy even today, and the result of silences that have been pervasive over the years regarding this conflict. It examines all aspects of this history based on actual documents in government, university, and private institutions in both the US and Mexico, including citations to these documents and the complete text for many of them in the Appendix. The book covers more than two decades of US history, from 1846 to the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, and examines Lincoln's role in helping Mexico defeat French occupation forces in the 1860s. As such, this outstanding book is a welcome addition to continuing discussion about the roles of the United States and Mexico during two of the most controversial and complex periods in American history, and how decisions made then continue to permeate the daily lives of citizens and residents of both countries....

Title

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abraham lincoln and mexico a history of courage intrigue and unlikely friendships

Author

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Michael Hogan

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ISBN

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30169043

Format Type

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Kindle Edition

Number of Pages

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362 Pages

Status

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Available For Download

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21 Minutes ago!

abraham lincoln and mexico a history of courage intrigue and unlikely friendships Reviews

Mauriciomoel2018-10-27 16:22

Abraham Lincoln is an iconic figure, a president that has been quoted innumerable times, and a hero people from all over the world have looked up to for decades. Despite his popularity and the hundreds of books and biographies published on Lincoln, what remained uncovered was substantial; all until Dr. Michael Hogan, a renowned historian and Emeritus Professor, revealed much of what there is to know in his most recent book: Abraham Lincoln and Mexico. Across 18 chapters, Dr. Hogan recounts what by any measure is an extraordinary life. Over several decades, Abraham Lincoln expressed his opinion regardless of any consequence, fought to maintain a troubled nation united, and even helped Mexicans recover their country from the French. Expressing a nuanced view of Lincoln, in which Dr. Hogan pays as much attention to Lincoln’s errors as to his achievements, and a disputing view of the Mexican-American issues at the time, Dr. Hogan leaves us in no doubt that Lincoln was a giant of man. Typically, historical biographies are a mode of writing that focus on ‘great’ men and (less often) ‘great’ women. However, the idea of the ‘great man theory’ is something Hogan modifies because he came to realize that without Mary Todd Lincoln’s intercession and Matias Romero’s advice, the aid to Mexico during the French Occupation would never have occurred. Dr. Hogan’s balanced study of Lincoln shows how biographies can actually contribute to much of our previous understanding of the past. Without Romero, Mary Todd and Lincoln himself, it is impossible to factually say how things would’ve turned out, but it is a fact that Lincoln’s beliefs and the actions of these secondary characters helped shape American history. In building this narrative, Dr. Hogan also gives vivid accounts of the many men and women who interacted with, and influenced, Lincoln. These include some already well-known characters such as Henry David Thoreau, James Russell Lowell, and Stephen Douglas. However, as I previously mentioned, the book also explores the lives of many less well-known, but equally important figures, such as Matias Romero and Mary Todd Lincoln, referred to as Mrs. Lincoln in the book. Dr. Hogan’s careful attention to the American political context leads to a much more nuanced view of Abraham Lincoln than was the case with some older books. Indeed, he goes beyond the boundaries of a purely biographical approach: his discussion of the Mexican-American War, which was fought between 1846 and 1848, covers some 40 pages, while Lincoln himself, is absent. Instead, we get descriptions of the fighting, quotes from other officers, writers, activists, and Congressmen, and an erudite commentary on the situation as a whole. Dr. Hogan began this book because of a student's comment that the famous Spielberg movie on Lincoln did not even mention Mexico. Annoyed and exasperated by this omission he decided to explore this gap. Luckily for us, Hogan came up with an all-embracing and well-researched “biography” that comprehensively narrates the turbulent period beginning with the Mexican-American war in 1846 and ending with the fall of the French Empire in Mexico in 1867. An account that conveys the true value of history, allowing every one of us, whether we agree or disagree with the views presented, to understand how we got to where we are and where we might be tomorrow.

Heribert Feilitzsch2018-10-20 10:51

Michael Hogan has unearthed and analyzed a crucial aspect of Abraham Lincoln's political evolution: His stance towards the Mexican-American war of 1846 to 1848. The annexation of former Mexican lands led to the destruction of the north-south balance of power, which led directly into the civil war. Hogan assembles a well-documented case for Lincolns distaste for the aggressive war that robbed Mexico of half its territory. It was a matter of principle for the future American president, as one would expect from the man who saved the union in the same spirit. However, political considerations also played into Lincoln's judgement. Texas was a slave holding state and its inclusion into the United States tipped the precarious balance of slave and non-slave states. Lincoln's foresight that the addition of these annexed lands held the risk of a civil war is testimony to a keen political eye.Author Michael Hogan did a good job assembling key sources for his thesis that the devastating civil war emerged from the smoldering remains of an unjust attack on an unsuspecting neighbor. Thanks to this book Lincoln emerges once again as the brilliant statesman that he was and, once again, we see him as a guardian and defender of the most precious principles our republic was founded upon. This stands in stark contrast to the machinations of President James Polk.This book is a worthy read and highly recommended.

Alejandro2018-10-27 09:34

As a Hispanic student from Mexico I remember taking Advanced Placement U.S. History during my junior year of high-school. When we finally got to study the different causes and consequences of the Civil War I remember always looking forward to hearing about Lincoln and how he managed to resolve so many different political dilemmas under very precarious circumstances. However, the textbook that I read never mentioned some sort of relationship between Lincoln and Mexico. The only mention of Lincoln having something to do with Mexico was his famous Spot Resolutions in the spring of 1846. After news from president James K. Polk that 16 American service men had been killed or wounded on the Mexican border in American territory, Abraham Lincoln, then a congressman from Illinois, proposed these resolutions to find out exactly on what spot the American soldier's blood had been shed. In Polk's report to congress the President stated that the American soldiers fell on American soil, but they actually fell on disputed territory that Mexico had historical claims to. To find out were the soldiers fell was important because congress was near to declaring war on Mexico.Apart from this, there was nothing else mentioned that linked Abraham Lincoln and Mexico. That is why this new insight provided by Dr. Michael Hogan was so shocking and delightfully surprising for me. It revealed new facts about Lincoln's involvement in Mexican politics which I was unaware of. I would've wished to have read this book as a supplement while I was taking the course back in high-school. Apart from all the great historical wisdom that this book has to offer, the book itself is clearly well organized and the research conducted by Dr. Hogan is superb. There are supporting real-life documents for every claim made and if you get the e-book version as I did, it's very easy to navigate around the documents.Overall, a must read for any student that is currently studying U.S. history and is a fan of Abraham Lincoln especially if you live in Mexico and want to know more about how this courageous president played a crucial role in Mexican politics.

Jasmine Ortiz2018-11-17 15:31

In this compelling, history-based read, Dr. Hogan gives voice to a side of history that hasn't really received the attention it deserves. Utilizing literature that is little known to the public yet written by such a famous man, Abraham Lincoln and Mexico sheds light on the injustices that occurred during a confusing time period of "patriotic" growth and a manifest destiny mentality, highlighting those that had the courage to speak out and question authority way before it became the common trend of this hipster generation. This book has the ability to redefine history’s reception amongst groups that aren’t hardcore history fans, pleasantly surprising them with a tale that keeps its readers gripped and turning pages for more. It is a wonderful cross between the academic world of history and its more literary-based counterpart, full of unexpected turns, captivating "plot" twists, and wonderfully surprising "character" appearances (Henry David Thoreau & Ralph Waldo Emerson). It prompts questions about history and our past as a human race, unveiling the strength of perseverance and the importance of the people behind a nation who do so much and hold no fear of being forgotten. They simply excel as best they can and hope for the betterment of their world, no fame required. These people, the people who do just for the sake of doing, are the ones that Doctor Hogan rightfully remembers and, in doing so, allows the world to witness a history of courage and humanness that is so plainly good. A wonderful contribution to the ever-growing educational canon.

Mikel Miller2018-11-19 09:22

Why don’t USA schools teach this?Years ago in 11th grade US History class, I learned that the US declared war on Mexico in 1846 to retaliate for Mexico attacking the USA. WRONG!! This award-winning new history by a Ph.D. historian and educator sets the record straight and reveals the truth about why President Polk and allies wanted to expand the United States from “sea to shining sea,” and how Polk lied to Congress to obtain a declaration of war to further his expansionist agenda. Using archival documents, the book examines the US military invasion of Mexico, the rape and pillage as US troops marched to Mexico City and captured the government, forcing Mexico to give up Mexican sovereign territory from Texas to California. It also examines Abraham Lincoln’s opposition to the war as Congressman, and his later actions as President to help Mexico defeat French occupation forces of Napoleon. It’s a great book for history buffs and Lincoln followers, and should be required reading in US History classes.

Sofia Gates2018-10-23 09:46

The book Abraham Lincoln and Mexico: A History of Courage, Intrigue and Unlikely Friendships by Dr. Michael Hogan tells the true and intriguing story of the Mexican - American War (1846-1848) which to this day remains untaught and almost unmentioned in the American high school curriculum. As a student who has studied in both the United States and Mexico, this book was particularly interesting due to its truthful portrayal of the United States, a country which, in this case, was not the hero. Dr. Hogan uses a variety of vital sources which brilliantly contribute to the powerfulness of the history which is being told. A wonderful thing about this book is that it is not limited to a purely history-loving audience, as it contains an almost narrative tone which makes the story even more gripping and hard to put down. Overall, it is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in the true story of the Mexican-American War or the incredible brilliance of President Lincoln.

Tom Mackie2018-11-05 09:38

This work has a great deal of editorial narrative along with the history work. However, it does deal, I believe, correctly with Lincoln's career experiences with Mexico and the complex connections between our two nations.

Kristen Fry2018-11-18 11:52

All students of Mexican/US history should read Hogan's latest. Especially today, all high school students in Mexico and the US should read this book! Hogan has done incredible research for this book. We are fortunate to hear his voice!

Charles Heath2018-10-29 16:50

Professor Hogan is an engaging writer; one feels almost as if he or she were one of his students while reading this compact book. Besides the often surprising narrative of Lincoln's long admiration and support of our sister republic to the south, the book contains ample sourcing and a thorough appendix. The work, therefore, also serves as a document reader. Today's nativist and jingoistic stance toward Mexico would benefit with Lincoln's nuanced political view toward the nation, and his tempered and respectful approach to foreign relations. Excellent, slim book, though its heft belies its deep content.

Robert Richter2018-10-27 14:36

Michael Hogan's Abraham Lincoln in Mexico I recently enjoyed reading Michael Hogan's timely historical work, Abraham Lincoln and Mexico: a History Of Courage, Intrigue and Unlikely Friendships. As a historian, I appreciate his succinct explanation of the U.S. Invasion of Mexico, Polk's egregious and premeditated land grab, and the American disgrace of Manifest Destiny, the attitudes and values of white supremacy at the root of the political, intellectual, and moral vacuum gripping the contemporary American character. Hogan's kind of historical mirror needs to be placed before American faces more often. In contrast to the cancer of Manifest Destiny and racism, again clearly and well argued in his book, Hogan reiterates Lincoln's consistent moral stance against American aggression and the propagation of slavery in the American South and West from his first days as a congressman to his last breath as president. Just as political reality today must be sorted out of the propaganda, lies, and revisionist obfuscation of fascist and racist spin doctors, Hogan must review and refute Southern apologists and supremacists, who even today take Lincoln's words out of context to obscure or justify their own contradicting agendas. Hogan underscores the clarity and consistency of Lincoln's political stance by bringing together at the end of the book the primary sources that put Lincoln's thoughts and words in complete context. The last chapter defining the relationship between Lincoln and Benito Juarez and comparing their progressive agendas is another timely portion of the book. Hogan's easy-reading historical narrative reminds us that the despite the din of hatred, fear, aggression, and misplaced righteousness booming from U.S. voices yet today; despite justified rancor and wounded national pride Mexicans might feel due to past treatment by the U.S., there are those in both nations – not just presidents – who have put egos and self interests aside to work for the greater ideals of equality, justice, and harmony between our peoples and nations. It's their tireless and thankless work and book's like Hogan's Abraham Lincoln and Mexico that keep humanity slowly slogging ahead.

SuZanne2018-11-16 16:30

This is an excellent book that I encourage all to read who want to know a more honest history of both Mexico and the USA in the two decades before and during the USA Civil War. It is easy to read; it is thorough without being exhausting; it provides a most scholarly appendix of original documents in their complete, unedited forms, which are nearly as long as the book itself. I learned much more about the motives behind the media, the USA presidency, black soldiers, and Mexico's battles for independence from imperialist France--all in under 200 pages. The struggle to uncover the truths of our national and international history persists, and this book takes us several steps further along in learning some truths found within that quest.

Steve2018-11-15 13:49

Hogan is an historian with deep knowledge of history on both sides of the border. I found it remarkably good for repairing my ignorance of the history of the relationship between Mexico and the US. We truly live together in The Americas.

Jim Gallen2018-10-22 12:38

Abraham Lincoln has been studied more than any U. S. President but this book examines an often-overlooked facet of his career. Both as a Congressman during the Mexican War and as President during the Civil War, Lincoln advocated positions that displayed respect for the Mexican people. This is the theme of “Abraham Lincoln And Mexico” although its content extends beyond Lincoln himself.This work begins with a good background history of Mexico leading up to the Mexican War and the Independence of Texas that set the stage for future conflict between the U.S. and Mexico. It then progresses into President Polk’s plan to bring the Republic of Texas, that had never been recognized by Mexico, into the Union. The uncertainty of whether the Texan-Mexican border was the Nueces (as claimed by Mexico) or Rio Grande (as claimed by Texas) Rivers created an opportunity for either side to precipitate an incident, an opportunity which Polk, Capt. Thornton and Gen. Zachary Taylor seized by moving Thornton’s force to the Rio Grande.Author Michael Hogan next turns attention to the opposition of the Whig Party, and its U. S. Rep. Abraham Lincoln in particular, to the War with Mexico. Drawing on spot resolutions presented in the House, Lincoln’s votes on those and bills that would fund the War as well as speeches and letters, the author attempts to discern whether Lincoln’s opposition demonstrates adherence to the Whig Party line, politically calculated moves or manifestations of deep convictions and political courage.The segment on the Mexican War concludes with an analysis of the Peace Negotiations and the resulting Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that established boundaries and relationships between the countries and the effect of the Treaty on Mexico.The issue of slavery that had stymied Texan annexation for almost a decade continued to vex the United States into Civil War. While the United States was occupied internally, European Powers, in the end most notably France, established a Mexican Empire under Emperor Maximillian of the House of Austria. Lincoln is portrayed as being a friend of the Mexican people in their opposition to the French invasion although practical support was limited by the Civil War. After Lincoln’s death other actors, prominently Generals Grant and Sheridan, clandestinely provided arms to Benito Juarez’ Mexican rebels while 3,000 former U. S. Troops, including many Buffalo Soldiers, joined Juarez as former Confederates offered to enlist with Maximillian’s forces.The Appendix consists of 18 documents relating to the events described including Polk’s War Message and two Annual Messages to Congress, speeches, resolutions and letters of Lincoln’s and letters written by others involved in Mexican-American relations of the times.In my opinion, this tome is written with a Mexican slant. Mexicans are shown as the aggrieved party suffering from an unjust invasion by a stronger and land hungry neighbor. The American heroes include Lincoln and Grant who are on record as speaking in favor of Mexico on merits of the case. There are several things that I learned about Mexican-American relations that helped put things with which I was familiar into context. I knew of the Texan War Of Independence, but not that Mexico’s instability resulted in revolts in other states. Perhaps the distinguishing characteristic of the Texan revolt was its success, not it had a revolt at all. As I read Polk’s Messages I appreciated the claims of the author, and others, that the War drums were pounded by one-sided American propaganda. I found prescient Polk’s statement in his Second Annual Message to Congress of December 8, 1846, speaking of Mexico’s then leader, that “there is good reason to believe from all his conduct that it was his intention to convert the Republic of Mexico into a monarchy and call a European prince to the throne.” A reader aware of Maximillian, whose intervention later American leaders opposed, may be more inclined to accept Polk’s arguments for war. Recalling Vietnam era citations of Lincoln’s anti-war statements, I enjoyed seeing the documents wherein they are found. I am intrigued by the author’s explanation that Lincoln remains the most popular American president in Mexico.The author’s writing style is generally good but tends to shift topics to the detriment of continuity. I encourage readers to read through the documents in the Appendix as they flesh out lines that we have often heard. Readers can view the Pro-Mexican slant of this book as either support for or challenges to their own opinions. When I first posted a review, I cited some historical errors that I found. I have been in contact with the author and he reports that the errors have been corrected in both the print and e-book editions. I respect Michael Hogan for his prompt actions. With these corrections of errors in what were peripheral issues I recommend this to readers with some familiarity with the Mexican War who are searching for a broader understanding and challenges to their notions of the War. I regard “Abraham Lincoln And Mexico” to be a valuable addition to the literature of Lincoln and the Mexican War.I did receive a free copy of this book without an obligation to post a review.

John Brooke2018-11-03 13:33

A Blast from the PastThis scholarly work echo's from the historic US treatment of Mexico in the not too distant past. Reverberates today in President Trump's demand to build a demeaning wall between the United States and Mexico, reminded me of dishonest President Polk's lies that are well documented in this magnificent chronicled work. A book of revelations that is sorely needs to be read by today's Gringos.

Christena Wiseman2018-11-04 10:35

This should be required reading. So many people from the United States are totally unaware ofhow we acquired so much land and how totally illegal it was for us to do so.This book has been carefully researched so the facts in it are accurate.

Luciana Mendez2018-11-04 11:38

Quintessential read! As a Mexican college student in the US, this book has given me a fresh new perspective to analyze Mexican American relationships, and as a history buff/reader, it has delighted me.

Carmen Amato2018-11-02 09:24

The Lincoln presidency continues to intrigue and Dr. Hogan has found a little-explored yet fascinating angle with real relevance for today. In a well crafted and meticulously researched narrative, he sheds new light on the relationship between Washington and the various unstable authorities in Mexico during the two decades following 1846. Like David McCullough’s The Path Between the Seas, this book is essential reading for historians of the modern Americas.

Michael Hogan2018-11-12 14:47

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